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Research relating to power grid expansion

The BfS is currently implementing the research programme entitled "Radiation Protection in the Process of Power Grid Expansion". These pages are intended to provide you with information on the various subject areas that are being investigated as part of the programme. For detailed information on the individual projects, please refer to the BfS research programme on "Radiation Protection in the Process of Power Grid Expansion".

Electrohypersensitivity: perception thresholds of electric fields in affected individuals

High-voltage power lines emit electric fields. Although these have no proven harmful effects on health in areas that are accessible to the general population, some people perceive the fields in certain situations – in very different ways. This study investigates the threshold at which the fields are perceived and whether “electrohypersensitivity” (EHS) could play a role.

more2024.10.17

Electromagnetic fields Childhood leukaemia

In 2001, low-frequency magnetic fields were classified as "possibly carcinogenic" (Group 2B) by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), an institution of the World Health Organization (WHO). This classification is based on the statistical relationship between weak low-frequency magnetic fields and a slightly increased risk of childhood leukaemia, as consistently observed in several epidemiological studies. It is unclear whether the observed statistical relationship is of a causal nature or not.

more2023.06.08

Electromagnetic fields Magnetic fields and the rate of miscarriage

There are some indications of an increased rate of miscarriage due to occupational and residential exposure to magnetic fields (e.g. from using electric blankets). This research programme is intended to investigate whether this link actually exists.

more2023.12.06

Electromagnetic fields Neurodegenerative diseases

The aim is to clarify whether people with greater exposure to low-frequency magnetic fields are more frequently affected by neurodegenerative diseases. These diseases affect the central nervous system – i.e. the brain and spinal cord – or the peripheral nervous system – i.e. the nervous system outside the brain and spinal cord – and lead to the degeneration and subsequent death of nerve cells.

more2023.06.08

Electromagnetic fields Perception and effect thresholds

Static and low-frequency electric fields from overhead power lines can be directly perceived at high electric field strengths and produce an unpleasant sensation. Moreover, metal objects that are located below power lines, such as cars, can become electrically charged, so that unpleasant or even painful spark discharges or contact currents may occur if people touch the metallic surface of the car. Low-frequency magnetic fields induce electric currents and fields in the body that lead to the stimulation of nerves and muscles at high magnetic flux densities.

more2023.04.18

Electromagnetic fields Co-carcinogenicity

Substances and environmental factors that can trigger cancer are referred to as carcinogens and include certain chemicals or ionising radiation, for example. In addition to these carcinogens, there are substances and environmental factors that cannot cause cancer themselves but can intensify the effect of carcinogens. These are known as co-carcinogens. Although low-frequency magnetic fields are not carcinogenic according to current scientific knowledge, it remains to be verified whether they can act as a co-carcinogen.

more2023.06.01

Electromagnetic fields Corona ions

High-voltage power lines can result in electrical discharges known as corona discharges, in which air molecules in the vicinity of power lines become electrically charged. The charged molecules (corona ions) can then be dispersed over relatively large distances by the wind. It is assumed that the charged molecules from high-voltage direct current (HVDC) lines have a longer lifetime and are spread over larger distances than those from high-voltage alternating current (HVAC) lines.

more2023.06.08

Electromagnetic fields Exposure

The assessment of possible health risks due to low-frequency electric and magnetic fields relies on very precise knowledge of the exposure of those affected. To what degree is the population exposed to low-frequency fields from power lines and other sources, such as electric household appliances? How are the field strengths distributed over the various tissues and organs in the body that are known to react differently to accordingly high field strengths?

more2023.06.08

Electromagnetic fields Risk persception and risk communication

Discussions in regions affected by power grid expansion or conversion – and the corresponding media coverage – are dominated by aspects relating to conservation, environmental protection and the adverse impact on the landscape. Moreover questions are raised about the health risks due to static and low-frequency fields. These issues involve not only a number of factual arguments but also emotions and anxieties.

more2023.04.18

Electromagnetic fields Oxidative stress

For many years, oxidative stress has been postulated as a possible mechanism of action of electric, magnetic, and electromagnetic fields. However, there is no scientific proof of this because the results from scientific studies are quite inconsistent in terms of their quality and informative value. In order to assess the relevance of oxidative stress from a radiation protection perspective, a detailed review and evaluation of the scientific literature is necessary.

more2023.12.06

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